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Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today
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This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.
California is expanding testing to include some people who show no symptoms of the virus.California is expanding testing to include some people who show no symptoms of the virus.
Chinese agents helped spread false lockdown messages in the U.S., American officials say.Chinese agents helped spread false lockdown messages in the U.S., American officials say.
The British Parliament has started holding sessions in cyberspace, breaking with seven centuries of tradition.The British Parliament has started holding sessions in cyberspace, breaking with seven centuries of tradition.
Get the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverageGet the latest updates here, plus maps and full coverage
A startling discovery has rewritten the timeline of the pandemic in the United States: A woman who died at home in Santa Clara County, Calif., on Feb. 6 was infected with the coronavirus, and probably caught it sometime in January.A startling discovery has rewritten the timeline of the pandemic in the United States: A woman who died at home in Santa Clara County, Calif., on Feb. 6 was infected with the coronavirus, and probably caught it sometime in January.
Since the woman had no known exposure from travel, her contraction of the virus suggested that it must already have been spreading in the San Francisco Bay Area long before the federal government began restricting travel from China.Since the woman had no known exposure from travel, her contraction of the virus suggested that it must already have been spreading in the San Francisco Bay Area long before the federal government began restricting travel from China.
Testing in the U.S. was so limited in February — because of tight restrictions and botched test-kit manufacturing — that officials didn’t identify a case of community transmission until Feb. 26 or a virus-linked death until Feb. 29.Testing in the U.S. was so limited in February — because of tight restrictions and botched test-kit manufacturing — that officials didn’t identify a case of community transmission until Feb. 26 or a virus-linked death until Feb. 29.
Experts said that if officials had known that the virus already had a foothold in the United States, there would have been more urgency in February to expand testing, prepare hospitals and get more protective gear. Instead, the government’s focus was on quarantining travelers from Asia.Experts said that if officials had known that the virus already had a foothold in the United States, there would have been more urgency in February to expand testing, prepare hospitals and get more protective gear. Instead, the government’s focus was on quarantining travelers from Asia.
Dr. Sara Cody, the county’s chief medical officer, said that the woman’s death as well as another individual on Feb. 17 were newly linked to the virus and were “probably the tip of an iceberg of unknown size.”Dr. Sara Cody, the county’s chief medical officer, said that the woman’s death as well as another individual on Feb. 17 were newly linked to the virus and were “probably the tip of an iceberg of unknown size.”
Genes trace the path: Researchers studying the virus’s genome believe that it had begun to circulate in the New York area by mid-February, coming mainly from Europe, and that it spread undetected in the Seattle area for weeks after arriving there from Wuhan, China.Genes trace the path: Researchers studying the virus’s genome believe that it had begun to circulate in the New York area by mid-February, coming mainly from Europe, and that it spread undetected in the Seattle area for weeks after arriving there from Wuhan, China.
Mike Baker and Sheri Fink of The Times report about how the genetically unique version of the virus that landed near Seattle has jumped to 14 other states and now accounts for one-quarter of all U.S. cases whose genetic data has been made public.Mike Baker and Sheri Fink of The Times report about how the genetically unique version of the virus that landed near Seattle has jumped to 14 other states and now accounts for one-quarter of all U.S. cases whose genetic data has been made public.
The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription.The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription.
How many deaths are an acceptable price to pay to restart the economy?How many deaths are an acceptable price to pay to restart the economy?
That macabre question confronts political leaders everywhere, writes Peter Baker, our chief White House correspondent, because in the continued absence of either a vaccine or a cure for Covid-19, any move to lift stay-at-home orders and to relax restrictions on commerce will involve a trade-off in some number of additional infections and fatalities.That macabre question confronts political leaders everywhere, writes Peter Baker, our chief White House correspondent, because in the continued absence of either a vaccine or a cure for Covid-19, any move to lift stay-at-home orders and to relax restrictions on commerce will involve a trade-off in some number of additional infections and fatalities.
The shutdowns that have hobbled the economy and thrown 22 million Americans out of work have also clearly saved many thousands of lives. Some models predicted two million deaths in the U.S. if nothing was done; with social distancing precautions, the figure seems headed for something closer to 60,000.The shutdowns that have hobbled the economy and thrown 22 million Americans out of work have also clearly saved many thousands of lives. Some models predicted two million deaths in the U.S. if nothing was done; with social distancing precautions, the figure seems headed for something closer to 60,000.
Assessing whether shutting down — or reopening — is worth the cost means doing something many people find heartless: putting a dollar value on a human life. Government analysts do it all of the time.Assessing whether shutting down — or reopening — is worth the cost means doing something many people find heartless: putting a dollar value on a human life. Government analysts do it all of the time.
For example, 41,000 deaths from opioid overdoses were valued in 2015 at $431.7 billion, or about $10.5 million per person, according to a recent White House report. Using that figure, if the shutdowns around the country were to save roughly two million lives, they would be worth a total of about $21 trillion — more than 10 times the cost of the recent $2 trillion relief package.For example, 41,000 deaths from opioid overdoses were valued in 2015 at $431.7 billion, or about $10.5 million per person, according to a recent White House report. Using that figure, if the shutdowns around the country were to save roughly two million lives, they would be worth a total of about $21 trillion — more than 10 times the cost of the recent $2 trillion relief package.
Some advocates of rapid reopening have offered a similar cold-eyed calculus, arguing that the immense economic harm being done by the shutdowns far outweigh the value of the additional lives that may be saved by keeping them in place.Some advocates of rapid reopening have offered a similar cold-eyed calculus, arguing that the immense economic harm being done by the shutdowns far outweigh the value of the additional lives that may be saved by keeping them in place.
Of course, it may not be as simple as that. Reopening the economy earlier may not pay dividends in the long run, and may actually do more economic harm, if the virus came roaring back and shredded public confidence.Of course, it may not be as simple as that. Reopening the economy earlier may not pay dividends in the long run, and may actually do more economic harm, if the virus came roaring back and shredded public confidence.
And it’s far from clear how many people would be willing to go to the movies, get haircuts or dine out now, even if they could.And it’s far from clear how many people would be willing to go to the movies, get haircuts or dine out now, even if they could.
“If you opened every restaurant in New Jersey tomorrow, I don’t think anybody would show up,” Gov. Philip D. Murphy told The Times.“If you opened every restaurant in New Jersey tomorrow, I don’t think anybody would show up,” Gov. Philip D. Murphy told The Times.
With much of humanity stuck at home, the 50th anniversary of Earth Day arrived on Wednesday without many in-person celebrations but with a silver lining of sorts: The rewilding of some urban areas on a suddenly quieter, less crowded planet.With much of humanity stuck at home, the 50th anniversary of Earth Day arrived on Wednesday without many in-person celebrations but with a silver lining of sorts: The rewilding of some urban areas on a suddenly quieter, less crowded planet.
It has taken many forms. A herd of shaggy goats was spotted running down desolate streets in Wales, and monkeys were seen taking over a plaza in Thailand. Coyotes have ventured deeper into San Francisco, and deer have wandered freely around Nara, Japan.It has taken many forms. A herd of shaggy goats was spotted running down desolate streets in Wales, and monkeys were seen taking over a plaza in Thailand. Coyotes have ventured deeper into San Francisco, and deer have wandered freely around Nara, Japan.
Captive animals have benefited, too. Penguins have been allowed to roam the exhibits at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. And pandas at a Hong Kong zoo finally managed to mate after 13 years — perhaps thanks to a little privacy.Captive animals have benefited, too. Penguins have been allowed to roam the exhibits at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. And pandas at a Hong Kong zoo finally managed to mate after 13 years — perhaps thanks to a little privacy.
But the environmental benefits of the crisis are only temporary, the United Nations has warned. And climate change and other ways we disrupt biodiversity, like industrial-scale livestock production, can increase the transmission of “zoonotic” diseases — the ones that move from animals to humans, like Covid-19.But the environmental benefits of the crisis are only temporary, the United Nations has warned. And climate change and other ways we disrupt biodiversity, like industrial-scale livestock production, can increase the transmission of “zoonotic” diseases — the ones that move from animals to humans, like Covid-19.
Bad news for felines: Two domestic cats in New York State have tested positive for the coronavirus, the first pets found to be infected in the U.S.Bad news for felines: Two domestic cats in New York State have tested positive for the coronavirus, the first pets found to be infected in the U.S.
And India’s 50 wild tiger reserves are on high alert after a tiger with a mysterious respiratory illness died this month. Around the same time, a tiger at the Bronx Zoo became the first confirmed case in a big cat.And India’s 50 wild tiger reserves are on high alert after a tiger with a mysterious respiratory illness died this month. Around the same time, a tiger at the Bronx Zoo became the first confirmed case in a big cat.
Updated June 12, 2020Updated June 12, 2020
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Though life has returned to normal in much of China, officials are scrambling to control a coronavirus outbreak centered around the northern city of Harbin.Though life has returned to normal in much of China, officials are scrambling to control a coronavirus outbreak centered around the northern city of Harbin.
Haiti, with 58 cases and four deaths, is worried about laid-off Haitian workers returning from the Dominican Republic (5,300 cases and 260 deaths) and bringing the virus with them.Haiti, with 58 cases and four deaths, is worried about laid-off Haitian workers returning from the Dominican Republic (5,300 cases and 260 deaths) and bringing the virus with them.
Eight infants and toddlers at a residential care center in Tokyo have tested positive for the coronavirus, raising concerns about a wider outbreak at facilities for neglected or abused children.Eight infants and toddlers at a residential care center in Tokyo have tested positive for the coronavirus, raising concerns about a wider outbreak at facilities for neglected or abused children.
The U.N. has confirmed the first known case in a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, intensifying fears that the virus will tear through one of the Middle East’s most vulnerable populations.The U.N. has confirmed the first known case in a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, intensifying fears that the virus will tear through one of the Middle East’s most vulnerable populations.
Manage stress-eating (or not eating). Anxiety and changes in routine may have scrambled your eating habits. Here are some tips to help.Manage stress-eating (or not eating). Anxiety and changes in routine may have scrambled your eating habits. Here are some tips to help.
Beware of identity theft. Criminals are using people’s Social Security numbers and other personal information to steal their stimulus checks and unemployment benefits.Beware of identity theft. Criminals are using people’s Social Security numbers and other personal information to steal their stimulus checks and unemployment benefits.
Keep your pets healthy. Watch for changes in behavior that could signal stress, like hissing. Don’t overwalk your dog just because you want to get out.Keep your pets healthy. Watch for changes in behavior that could signal stress, like hissing. Don’t overwalk your dog just because you want to get out.
Want to help? We’ve created a hub for ways you can make an impact, support front-line workers and help your community fight the virus.Want to help? We’ve created a hub for ways you can make an impact, support front-line workers and help your community fight the virus.
The pandemic could almost double the number of people facing acute hunger this year to 265 million around the world.The pandemic could almost double the number of people facing acute hunger this year to 265 million around the world.
A German biotechnology company said it was ready to begin clinical vaccine trials. It’s believed to be the fourth trial to get underway internationally.A German biotechnology company said it was ready to begin clinical vaccine trials. It’s believed to be the fourth trial to get underway internationally.
Many politicians who are urging the public to wear face masks are ignoring their own advice.Many politicians who are urging the public to wear face masks are ignoring their own advice.
Where did the social distancing strategy come from? It involved a high school science fair, George W. Bush, history lessons and some determined researchers.Where did the social distancing strategy come from? It involved a high school science fair, George W. Bush, history lessons and some determined researchers.
With New York City crematories struggling with three-week backlogs, a professor of mortuary science has been transporting bodies to spare grieving families the wait.With New York City crematories struggling with three-week backlogs, a professor of mortuary science has been transporting bodies to spare grieving families the wait.
A pair of octogenarian lovers kept apart by the closing of the German-Danish border found a romantic way to stay in touch.A pair of octogenarian lovers kept apart by the closing of the German-Danish border found a romantic way to stay in touch.
In the spirit of recognizing the joy found in small things, our family is making a multicolored paper chain to mark our days at home, and to record daily gratitude. Our paper chain hangs in our kitchen, and is a constant reminder of the steadfast goodness and love that surround us in the midst of these palpably uncertain times.In the spirit of recognizing the joy found in small things, our family is making a multicolored paper chain to mark our days at home, and to record daily gratitude. Our paper chain hangs in our kitchen, and is a constant reminder of the steadfast goodness and love that surround us in the midst of these palpably uncertain times.
— Natalie Jackson, Lookout Mountain, Tenn.— Natalie Jackson, Lookout Mountain, Tenn.
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Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe helped write today’s newsletter.Lara Takenaga and Jonathan Wolfe helped write today’s newsletter.